by Christine
April 2006
My life up until four years ago was wonderful. I had a great job and a wonderful relationship. Then it all came crashing down one summer day.
I was on my way to work when I started getting lower abdominal pain, but at the time I didn't think much of it. However, over time the pain started traveling down my right leg, so I went to see a neurologist and started getting nerve block injections. I had at least 5 of the injections, but they did not work. Over the next year the pain slowly went away, but I never found out why it had happened.
With the pain gone, my life slowly got back to normal. I got a new job, got engaged and planned my wedding. Then, on a summer day, my life that I loved so much came to a crashing downward spiral. I started to have fainting episodes that occurred almost daily.
I saw doctor after doctor, but they all told me it was psychological and I was just stressed about getting married. So I went to a therapist, who believed I was truly sick. I didn't know who to believe, and my health kept getting worse. I started getting extreme fatigue, blurred vision, undiagnosed pain, severe syncope, nausea, and many other symptoms. I had a tilt table test, EKG, Brain scan, Ct scan; the works...and still no diagnoses other than stress and low BP.
Finally my cardiologist sent me to Toledo to see a specialist. At this point, I was so depressed that I didn't think this doctor would be able to help. I was terrified as I walked into his office, but he put me right at ease. This doctor has been my saving grace. He's finally given me a diagnosis. I have dysautonomia with POTS and Mitral Valve Prolapse.
I am now taking different meds to try to increase my blood pressure. I still faint almost every day and am always getting injured. Still, I have hope that one day my life will get back to normal.
Sadly, it's been a relief to find out I truly have something wrong with me. At least I know I am not going crazy.
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